NR–10.022 - March 26, 2010
OTTAWA —The Department of National Defence today announced that the Air Force has accepted delivery of the final updated CF-18 Hornet aircraft, marking the completion of Phase II of the CF-18 Incremental Modernization Project. The CF-18 Modernization program is a comprehensive mid-life upgrade to ensure that the Canadian Forces have a modern and interoperable fighter fleet until at least 2017.
“The acceptance of this aircraft signifies the successful completion of Phase II modernization of the overall project to update Canada's CF-18 fighter force,” said the Honourable Peter MacKay , Minister of National Defence. “It further demonstrates the Government of Canada's commitment to ensuring the Canadian Forces have modern, reliable, and effective military equipment, enhancing our ability to meet future national and global missions.”
Phase II of the Incremental Modernization Project, which was on time and on budget, includes the installation and integration of a tactical data link system, helmet cueing system, colour displays, upgraded countermeasures dispensers, and a triple-deck cockpit video recorder, in addition to outfitting the CF-18s with other technologically advanced equipment. A $172 million contract was awarded to Boeing in 2007 for Phase II work.
“As the Air Force transforms to meet the 21st century security needs of Canada,” said the Chief of the Air Staff, Lieutenant-General André Deschamps, “this modernization ensures that the CF-18 fleet remains combat-effective, globally deployable, and able to play an important role in the coming years.”
Phase I of the Incremental Modernization Project was completed in 2006. This first phase of the CF-18 modernization project included among others, the procurement and installation of a new radar, jam-resistant radios, mission computers and embedded global positioning systems. Boeing also conducted the work for Phase I, valued at approximately $880 million. Under sub-contract, the installation for both phases was conducted by L3 Communications MAS at its plant in Mirabel, Quebec.
In addition to the two modernization phases for CF-18 aircraft, other CF-18 projects are either completed or ongoing to align the CF-18 aircraft with a fully integrated air capability thus increasing Air Force interoperability with our allies as well as our ability to respond to threats to North America. Most recently, CF-18s were heard over the skies of British Columbia, where they provided around the clock security for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
The entire modernization program, phased over eight years, created employment and technology development opportunities for Canadians through the Industrial Regional Benefits program.
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Note to Editors: For more information about the CF-18 Incremental Modernization Project, please see the CF-18 Modernization Backgrounder available at:
www.forces.gc.ca
Additional facts about the CF-18 can be found at:
http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/v2/equip/cf18/index-eng.asp
Still imagery is also available at:
http://www.combatcamera.forces.gc.ca
(keyword search “CF-18”)
